Contest Exclusive to Students 18 and Younger Who Participate In National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) Network Chapters Nationwide; Winner Receives New York City Travel Package

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – The United States Tennis Association (USTA) today announced that Tyler Haanen of Milwaukee, Wisc. is one of 14 winners of the 14th annual USTA/ NJTL Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest in the Boys 17-18 essay category. Haanen, along with the other winners, ranging in ages from 10 to 18, were selected from over 1,100 essays submitted earlier this summer. Each winner will receive a New York City travel package from August 24-26.

Haanen joined The Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation NJTL chapter nearly four years ago and began playing tennis at 15. As he looks forward to his visit to New York City, Haanen said it is a dream come true to visit the courts where all the greatest tennis players have played the game.

“Using his great social justice skills alongside his tennis ability, Arthur Ashe was able to make great changes in the world,” said Haanen.

Haanen will receive round-trip coach airfare to New York City for himself and a parent/legal guardian. The trip also includes two nights at the Grand Hyatt 42nd Street, and President’s Box tickets to the 2012 Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess on August 25 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The weekend will wrap-up with an awards luncheon on August 26, hosted by former New York City Mayor and USTA Board Member David Dinkins, where the winners will receive an honorary plaque.

To enter the contest, children were asked to write an essay of 350 words or less, responding to a specific question around Arthur Ashe and his great accomplishments. This year’s question – “If Arthur Ashe were alive today, what do you think would give him hope?” A USTA sub-committee selected the winning essays based on their knowledge of Arthur Ashe, message clarity, and writing style.

“Because of his passion for tennis, being chosen as the winner of this contest is a great honor and a chance of a lifetime,” said Haanen’s mother, Anne Riesenberg. “This is one he will never forget. Hard work and dedication really do pay off.”

Founded in 1969 by Arthur Ashe, along with Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder, the USTA/National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network is a nation-wide group of more than 660 non-profit youth development organizations that provide free or low cost tennis, education and life skills programming to more than 250,000 children each year. Celebrating its 43rd anniversary this year, NJTL is one of the USTA’s largest community-based offerings.